The town finally reversed its position and agreed to release the case data. I am drained from this fight but relieved that we forced them to be honest with us. We need to stay vigilant to make sure the information keeps flowing without another struggle.
April 3, 2020
Final supporters
We the undersigned residents of Needham, Massachusetts demand an immediate reversal of the Town's decision to publicly withhold the number of Needham's confirmed cases of Covid-19. Furthermore, we require regular updates to the Town's confirmed number of Covid-19 cases as the situation unfolds.
We expect transparency and knowledge in the name of public safety and freedom of information during this national public health emergency.
Sincerely,
Updates
March 19, 2020
The administration continues to remain silent despite our repeated requests for the data. I have been spending my nights tracking down any available information because the lack of transparency is becoming dangerous for our neighbors.
13 Comments
When you are not transparent it causes increased anxiety and mistrust in the local government. Everyone knows anyways that you don’t disclose names ( only numbers) so it’s not like your giving information away. Why pretend that the town doesn’t have cases?
As a physician and a Needhamite, it is important to the community to share the aggregate information, while protecting patient privacy.
One can acknowledge the case # in Needham is a gross underestimation while still being transparent about how many cases we have. Withholding that information leads to distrust of local government and gives some residents a false sense of security. Given the lack of social distancing observed around town, the benefits outweigh any perceived costs.
Please we need to be keep in the light of all this information, people are not believe anything I’m saying about how dangerous this really this. Living in Needham not knowing the numbers of case is so uncomfortable.
Maybe if you release the # affected, it will scare the children and adults who are not paying attention to the Governor's recommendations.
Last time I checked we don’t live in communist China
Deplorable that they won’t share important health statistics. This is not China, and we all know how well that went. Withholding information is not ok.
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The town finally reversed its position and agreed to release the case data. I am drained from this fight but relieved that we forced them to be honest with us. We need to stay vigilant to make sure the information keeps flowing without another struggle.
April 3, 2020
Final supporters
We the undersigned residents of Needham, Massachusetts demand an immediate reversal of the Town's decision to publicly withhold the number of Needham's confirmed cases of Covid-19. Furthermore, we require regular updates to the Town's confirmed number of Covid-19 cases as the situation unfolds.
We expect transparency and knowledge in the name of public safety and freedom of information during this national public health emergency.
Sincerely,
Updates
March 19, 2020
The administration continues to remain silent despite our repeated requests for the data. I have been spending my nights tracking down any available information because the lack of transparency is becoming dangerous for our neighbors.
13 Comments
I believe this was a unilateral decision by the Director. It is Ill-advised, impedes containment, social distancing compliance and doesn’t comport with the practices of surrounding communities. The patient privacy mandate is not impaired by reporting numbers. I write this as a legal professional, with advanced degrees in public policy, over 60, lifelong Needham resident, who thinks our Select Board and our Town Manager are very competent, committed and compassionate.
When you are not transparent it causes increased anxiety and mistrust in the local government. Everyone knows anyways that you don’t disclose names ( only numbers) so it’s not like your giving information away. Why pretend that the town doesn’t have cases?
As a physician and a Needhamite, it is important to the community to share the aggregate information, while protecting patient privacy.
One can acknowledge the case # in Needham is a gross underestimation while still being transparent about how many cases we have. Withholding that information leads to distrust of local government and gives some residents a false sense of security. Given the lack of social distancing observed around town, the benefits outweigh any perceived costs.
Please we need to be keep in the light of all this information, people are not believe anything I’m saying about how dangerous this really this. Living in Needham not knowing the numbers of case is so uncomfortable.
Maybe if you release the # affected, it will scare the children and adults who are not paying attention to the Governor's recommendations.
Last time I checked we don’t live in communist China
Deplorable that they won’t share important health statistics. This is not China, and we all know how well that went. Withholding information is not ok.
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I believe this was a unilateral decision by the Director. It is Ill-advised, impedes containment, social distancing compliance and doesn’t comport with the practices of surrounding communities. The patient privacy mandate is not impaired by reporting numbers. I write this as a legal professional, with advanced degrees in public policy, over 60, lifelong Needham resident, who thinks our Select Board and our Town Manager are very competent, committed and compassionate.